Great Date Part 3: THE PLAN

While it may sound wild to fly by the seat of one’s pants, the NB prefers a perfectly planned evening.  If the romantic winds carry one to familiar haunts and a series of unforseen events shake up the eve–by all means, blow with the flow.  But we highly recommend a meticulously planned/packed/prepared trip!

The femmenextdoor has been known to make an adorable printed itinerary:

*She’s also been known to hop-stop a date prior to taking her lady out to ensure a smooth transition from point-to-point (how very NB of her)!

But the point here is to be prepared.  Instead of arriving at your lady’s door (see part 2: The Pick-up), with the tacky & exhausting phrase: “What do you want to do?” –which will inevitably be returned with an “I don’t know; what do you want to do?” Show up with a plan in hand, or at least in mind.  Print out the movie schedule and slide it in your wallet.  Make multiple reservations if you’re feeling unsure.  At the very least, show up with options.

If you know your date well, choose activities she’ll enjoy.  If it’s a new situation, options are probably best.  Having a plan shows that you’ve put thought into the date.  Having options shows your consideration for her various tastes.  But remember: Having a good time is always the key to a great date.  Put the plans in place so you can relax and enjoy yourself.  Scrambling to come up with something on the fly is likely to make you more nervous than necessary. 

Dating should not resemble Guerilla warfare.  It should be as smooth as an American Fox Trot.  So grab your fox and trot away Butches!

Great Date Part 2: The Pick-Up

Pick your lady up.  First and foremost, it sends her the message that your time is hers, that there is nothing on your plate, on your mind, on your clock that is more important than she is.  Escorting your lady to the cab, to your car, or even placing her delicately on the handlebars of your Schwinn shows that you’re concerned with your precious cargo, and that you’re the most qualified to transport it–because you care most.  Drive the extra half-hour out of the way to pick her up.  If Enterprise can do it, free of charge, so can you. **Added bonus: you get to take her home.

If  you’re stuck in a meeting, flying in from Milan, or trapped at a family engagement and picking her up means more time in transit and less time engaged, send a car.  Nothing makes a lady feel more like a princess than having a professional chariot await her and carry her swiftly to her destination–you. 

At the very least, ensure she has accurate directions to your date-spot.  Draw her a cute treasure map.  Send her the link to Hopstop. Or make an overly-detailed list of directions from her exact location or one you both know well.  These things show that you’re looking out for your lover, that you’ve taken away all her cause for worry.  The NB strives for smooth sailing, cycling, or driving.  So whether you’re motoring around or traveling by train, take care of the details–the devil may be in them, it’s your job to exercise him before you step out.

Happy trails Butches!

 

Great Date Part 1: The invitation

If there’s anything an NB loves more than a great date, I know not what it is.  There are plenty of elements that add to the potion of love, and many of those mix well with un-mixed company on a hot summer night.  This NB is going to try the following this coming weekend, going out with the love of one’s life should not be taken lightly!

 Invite your date.  Whether she’s been with you for years, or without you for a lifetime, the small matter of this formality is not to be overlooked–treat it formally and have some fun:

A formal invitation, mailed to her home (whether you share it or not) is a spectacular effort that will either enchant her completely, or freak her the frick out.  Gauge your audience accordingly.

Mysterious & Romantic? or Intense & Psychotic? ...fine line, walk with caution.

 B.  A custom digital image, emailed to her at work, should brighten her day (please be prepared–she’ll be inclined to forward it on, whether she’s enchanted or disturbed, again, proceed with caution.  If you’re sure she digs you, go for it!)

Make a Love-Connection

 C. A personal invitation, from your lips to her ears, is never a wrong move.  It says you’re bold, confident, and genuinely interested.  Rather than a “Let’s get together sometime, can I have your number.” Try, “Hey, my favorite coffee shop is right around the corner.  Wanna meet me there next Friday at 8?”  **I think the key with all of these is knowing the invitation is welcome.  If she already likes you, any simple grunt should do the trick–but remember, if it works out, this is a story you’ll tell for a long time to come. 

D. Finally, if it’s a long-shot, use technology as your friend text, IM, skype, or gchat your way to a date.  If she doesn’t know you have her digits, try “Would it be weird if (your NB name here) asked you out?”  No response is a cool ”No.”  remember that, and you should be safe. 

Good luck!